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Drinks with a view: The best rooftop bars in Paris

27 Apr 2017

While sidewalk terraces remain a staple of Parisian life, locals and visitors alike are flocking to higher ground. Rooftop bars have popped up all over the city, perched atop shops, museums and hotels. Here’s our take on the very best.

Khayma: Generator Paris
The beautiful Khayma bar on the rooftop of Generator Paris is shot through with the feeling and aesthetic of a Tuareg bar. The signature cocktails as well as the food they serve reference the North African culture from top to bottom. The bar opened recently with an amazing party, with beautiful food and an equally beautiful crowd. With killer views and deadly cocktails, Khayma is leading the charge of the new wave of Parisian rooftop bars. Generator is nestled in the heart of the eternally hip 10th Arrondissement – and there’s a wealth of amazing views to be seen - particularly unique vistas of the Sacré-Cœur and Monmartre.

Totemic views and romantic setting are what ‘seventh heaven’ is all about

“7e Ciel” is French for 7th heaven. The name is fitting. Located in the Montmartre neighbourhood, at the very top of the Terrass Hotel, 7e Ciel is undoubtedly the most romantic rooftop hangout in town, with lush greenery and plenty of tables for two. It faces south, offering a sweeping view of the city with the Eiffel Tower smack in the middle. This classy joint is intimate and sit-down-only, which means it fills up quickly; 7e Ciel doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early. (You’ll want to catch the sunset anyway.) The bar offers tapas but if you’re really hungry, you can head down one floor to the Terrass” restaurant, which boasts a similarly stunning view.12 rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018

At the end of the day, when the guards start kicking visitors out of the Centre Pompidou’s modern art museum, don’t head for the exit. Instead, take the futuristic escalators and head upstairs. At the very top of the building is Le Georges, a restaurant and rooftop bar with panoramic views over the heart of Paris. In keeping with its host institution, Le George’s aesthetic is both industrial and chic. Same goes for the clientele – it’s a popular spot for the after-work-drinks set. It can get crowded, so consider calling ahead to reserve a table.Le Centre Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004

Nüba
This one’s for the party people. Climb to the top of the Cité de la Mode et du Design and you’ll find Nüba, a restaurant and club with a giant rooftop terrace. Think lawn chairs, DJ sets, big tables and plenty of standing room. This spot is perfect for large groups of friends (or for meeting new ones). The view doesn’t hurt either — the building sits on the very edge of the Seine. This winter, Nüba adopted a ski resort theme, complete with decorative pine trees and hot drinks.36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013

With an unmarked, speakeasy-style entrance, this might look unpromising at first glance. Don’t be fooled. Cross the courtyard and take the lift to the seventh floor. There, you’ll find a 400-square-metre rooftop bar dotted with comfortable couches and wooden tables. The best part is the 360-degree view – you can see all of Paris. Trust the bartenders and order their cocktail of the day (12 euros) or choose from a selection of bottled beers from all over the world.14 rue Crespin du Gast, 75011

Le Perchoir Marais
Le Perchoir’s second location is in the heart of the Marais neighbourhood, right above a Parisian institution: the BHV department store. From Wednesday to Saturday, as soon as BHV closes at 9pm, the rooftop bar opens. It features great views of the Eiffel Tower and the Hotel de Ville. Style-wise, this Perchoir is more chic than the original with its white floors and sleek blue tables. The prices remain steep (12 euros for a cocktail) but still relatively reasonable, considering how many bars in Paris charge the same – sans view.37 rue de la Verrerie, 75004

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